"Aww, where do you think you're going missy?" he asked her. "Not leaving me I hope."
"Really? I would think you were sick of the sight of me by now. Isn't that what you're always saying?"
"So the little Hanson girlie has a tongue on her huh?"
"Leave me alone Craig."
"Why? Afraid I might show you what a real musician is like?"
Sarah decided to ignore the comment. She often found herself ignoring things he said after having complained to Zac once.
"He's just jealous of your success. Don't let it get to you," Zac told her. "The best revenge is success y'know."
"I think there are too many Hansons around," Craig went on. "Way too many. You can't sing, you can't play, you don't deserve to be in the industry."
"You don't know what you're talking about," came a new voice.
Sarah looked over. He looked familiar, but she couldn't place him.
"I know exactly what I'm talking about. Everywhere you look there's a Hanson. And your music sucks!"
"And yet I know you've sent demos to their label," the red-headed boy said smugly.
Craig looked confused.
"MOE records," the boy grinned. "That's the Hansons label. Hmm, what does that say about you?"
"See," Craig snarled, "they are everywhere. If we're not careful, it'll be the Hanson industry instead of the music industry. There's a distinct difference."
"Oh, just shut up Craig. Ok, so fine. My brothers have a band and run a label. I was in a band with my other brother and one of my sister, the same sister who has now gone solo. Four of my nephews have a band too, but I suppose you knew that. Get over it," Sarah surprised herself saying this.
"Up yourself too, I see," Craig retorted.
"Say Sarah," said the boy, "could you clear something up for me? Is Jess on Gold FM a relation?"
Craig suddenly looked worried. Sarah nodded.
"Oldest sister," then noticing Craig's expression, she went on. "My sister Avie is on Rocky Road - you know, the sitcom? And, of course, Zac has his own show now - I Must Have Been Insane That Day."
"I thought so," the boy replied with a grin, causing Craig to let off one more growl and stalk off. "We haven't really met, I'm Jim."
"I'm Sarah," she greeted, shaking his hand.
"I know."
"I guess you do. Thanks for helping me."
"Hey, no problem. I've noticed he picks on you a lot. Musician he may be, but he's so caught up in his own stuff he has no real appreciation of other music."
Sarah nodded.
"Say, umm, you wanna come sit with me?" Jim asked, suddenly nervous. "I mean, I've noticed you usually sit alone and stuff, and... I mean... I would have said something earlier but I thought you... uhh..."
"Might be a snob?" Sarah interjected, and went on after he gave a sheepish nod. "I hope not! I never really made any friends my age when I was touring. I was thrilled about going to school and meeting new people, but I guess my lack of social experience with people my own age has made me pretty shy."
Jim grinned at her.
"No worries, you're with me now."
And Sarah smiled back.